Alga - is a convenient in-home seaweed cultivation unit designed specifically for elderly users. The device empowers users to effortlessly oversee, cultivate, and harvest fresh, nutrient-rich seaweed. Integral to a local supply chain, Alga significantly contributes to a broader service framework. A portion of the nourishing seaweed yield is gathered from growers' households and promptly delivered to a nearby community kitchen. Subsequently, this seaweed becomes a key, nutrient-dense ingredient in the kitchen's culinary creations. Any surplus food produced in the community kitchen is sold locally, generating income crucial for sustaining these kitchens.
Research - In our research on food-related topics such as food security and agriculture, we identified the issue of food insecurity, primarily attributed to the rising cost of living. Recognising the role of localised supply chains in enhancing food security, we pinpointed older users as ideal candidates for becoming growers. This demographic possesses more free time, a greater interest in gardening, and a desire for community engagement. Building upon this insight, we developed a service that connects home growers and community kitchens through home-growing pods. Given the escalating living costs and the growing reliance on community kitchens, users are facing challenges in accessing nutritional meals. This predicament arises from a decrease in donations coupled with an increased demand for handouts. To address this issue, community kitchens require a dependable source of nutritional ingredients to consistently provide regular and healthy meals
Moodboard - To steer the design style of the device, we crafted a mood board as a visual reference and inspiration. This collection featured color schemes, textures, and design motifs, creating a cohesive visual language. The mood board played a pivotal role in shaping the overall aesthetic direction, providing our design team with a shared vision and creative influence. By referencing this mood board, we ensured a harmonious and appealing visual identity for the device that aligned seamlessly with our intended design style.
Ideation - In the ideation stage, we explored diverse forms and concepts, allowing for creative experimentation. Through iterative processes, we refined these ideas, leading to the development of the final form. Additionally, during the design process, we dedicated considerable effort to creating a distinctive and memorable logo that resonates with the essence of our service. We generated numerous logo variations, carefully considering each element to ensure they effectively communicate the vision and values of our initiative. This meticulous approach resulted in a visually compelling and meaningful logo that encapsulates the essence of our project.
Design phase - In the design phase, we utilised CAD to explore multiple forms for the device. Our team experimented with diverse screen positions and aesthetics, aiming to find the optimal combination that seamlessly integrates functionality and visual appeal. This iterative process allowed us to assess various design possibilities and refine our concepts, ultimately leading to the development of a device that not only meets the functional requirements but also boasts an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly design.
User testing - We presented the various CAD variations to numerous design students, seeking valuable feedback on usability, aesthetics, and form. This collaborative approach allowed us to gather diverse perspectives and insights, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the design elements. The input from the design students played a crucial role in refining our concepts, enhancing the overall user experience, and achieving a well-balanced combination of functional and aesthetic considerations in the final design.
Service design - The service is subscription-based and targeted towards the elderly. Home growers rent the growing pod, which is then installed in the users home. Users can utilise half of the grown produce for personal use, while the remaining half is picked up and delivered to the local food kitchen. Each time the produce is collected, users receive new seeding pods, creating a closed cycle within the service and ensuring a constant, reliable supply of nutritious produce to the food kitchen.
Scenario of use - The product will be plugged into a wall socket and uses mains electricity. Firstly, the seed pods are inserted into the device to provide the root bed and required nutrients. The screen is used to input and control the temperature and PH levels throughout the growing process. The progress tracker displays the current growing status and monitors the growth rate. If the seaweed is harvested at home, the user simply places the pod on a work surface and slides the cutting blade along the seed pod to remove the seaweed blades. The left over produce is then picked up from the users home and is unitised in a food kitchen.
Experience prototyping - Through experience prototyping, we crafted our own nutritious seaweed pesto sauce. This hands-on approach allowed us to refine and optimise the recipe, ensuring a delicious and health-conscious product.
Experience prototyping - We explored the versatility of the seaweed by incorporating it into various recipes during our testing phase. From seaweed wraps to omletes, our experimentation showcased the seaweed's adaptability and potential to enhance a wide range of dishes. This culinary exploration allowed us to appreciate the diverse applications of the seaweed, ensuring its versatility and appeal in different culinary contexts.
Low fidelity prototyping - To assess usability, aesthetics, screen placement, and unit size, we created a life-size cardboard prototype. This tangible model served as a practical tool for hands-on testing and evaluation.
User testing - By engaging with the cardboard prototype, we gained valuable insights into the user experience and made informed decisions regarding the final design. This iterative process allowed us to fine-tune the unit's dimensions, ensuring an optimal and user-friendly outcome.
